Social Work (SOC_WK)

SOC_WK 1110: Introduction to the Social Work Major

Students examine their interest in social work and other human service professions; learn of career possibilities in their interest area; and develop an educational plan to reach their goal.

Credit Hour: 1
Prerequisites: freshman or sophomore standing

SOC_WK 1115: Social Welfare and Social Work

Survey course that examines the history and development of social welfare in the United States and the profession of social work, as well as contemporary issues.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 1200: Criminal Justice

This course provides an introduction to the history and development of criminal justice in our country and includes policing and law enforcement, and the adjudication and court process as well as the terminology associated with each system. Theories on crime, prison, community corrections and reentry discussions for both juvenile and adult systems will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on an overview to the major sociological and psychological perspectives on variations from normative individual and group behaviors prevalent in the U.S. society while providing a strengths perspective in which to understand them. Finally, this course will evaluate the delicate balance between community interest and personal freedom that criminal justice decision-making requires.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 2000: Exploration in Social and Economic Justice

(same as PEA_ST 2000). This course explores issues of fairness and equality in economic, political and social systems, and applies social justice principles to major social problems. Course may be repeated two times for credit. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000

SOC_WK 2000W: Exploration in Social and Economic Justice - Writing Intensive

SOC_WK 2220: Human Behavior in the Social Environment

The first of two required courses providing an introduction to selected theories, multidisciplinary knowledge, and perspectives into human development and behavior. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 or sophomore standing

SOC_WK 2220W: Human Behavior in the Social Environment - Writing Intensive

SOC_WK 2960: Sexual Health Education and Advocacy

(same as WGST 2960). Students will critically investigate sexuality and reproductive health within a cultural context including religious, political, social justice, familial, and societal influences. Through assigned readings, reflection, small group activities and discussion, students will increase their awareness of sexual health issues, enhance self awareness, and learn how to effectively educate their peers surrounding issues of sexual health. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 3101: Topics in Social Work

Special and emerging topics in social work and social welfare. Subject, content and credit varies depending on available faculty and student interest. For undergraduate and graduate students.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 3101W: Topics in Social Work - Writing Intensive

SOC_WK 3320: Understanding Personality in a Social Context

Introduces students to diverse personality theories and examines background, key concepts, motivation, structure, development dynamics and applications of each theory in a social context. Required of all undergraduate social work majors.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 3350: Problems in Social Work

Research and independent study projects offered on a tutorial basis to undergraduate social work students.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 4101: Topics in Social Work

Special and emerging topics in social work and social welfare. Subject, content and credit varies depending on available faculty and student interest. May be repeated for credit.

Credit Hour: 1-6
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 4310: Social Statistics

Descriptive, analytic techniques applied to qualitative and quantitative social data. Math Reasoning Proficiency Course.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: sophomore standing required

SOC_WK 4330: Addiction Treatment and Prevention

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 7330). Provides knowledge generic to social work and other disciplines involved in substance abuse treatment. Integrated approach to problems of substance abuse and development of self-awareness are emphasized. Didactic and experiential methods employed.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: junior standing

SOC_WK 4360: Working with Minority Youth

(same as BL_STU 4360). Develops awareness and understanding of social/psychological and cognitive realities influencing the behavior of minority youth. Content draws upon theories, research and practice skills relevant to understanding and counseling minority youth.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: junior standing

SOC_WK 4370: Delinquency, Corrections and Social Treatment

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 7370). Focuses on problems and causative factors in developing and maintaining delinquent and criminal behavior and attitudes: addressing critical and comparative understanding of social change strategies employed in this field.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: junior standing

SOC_WK 4390: Helping Strategies With Children and Adolescents

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 7390). Theory and practice of work with children and adolescents. Focus on youth in transition, protective services and permanency planning, and special needs populations.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: junior standing

SOC_WK 4395: Death, Grief and Loss

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 7395). This course is designed to provide an awareness of the impact of grief and loss whether as a result of a death or major life alteration. The perspective that grief exists in many contexts beyond death will be a focal point of the course. Theory associated with the process of dying, grief and grief resolution will be examined. Additionally, students will explore influencing factors such as life span development, religion, culture and personal responses to loss.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: junior standing

SOC_WK 4400: Domestic Violence

(same as WGST 4400; cross-leveled with SOC_WK 7400, WGST 7400). Covers history of the domestic violence movement, intimate partner violence theories and data, legislative and organizational policy issues, and intervention models for practice with individuals who have experienced domestic violence including co-occurring issues such as trauma.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing required

SOC_WK 4410: Social Welfare and the Law

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 7410). This course explores the intersection of human services, law, and policy. It explores how law shapes services directed at children, families, women, and racial and sexual minorities. Students learn to work with legal professionals, prepare for proceedings, and avoid malpractice.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: junior standing

SOC_WK 4450: Professional Perspectives on Child Welfare Services in the 21st Century

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 7450). This course examines the development and current state of child welfare services in America with an emphasis on the role of the public child welfare agency in delivery of those services. It is an overview course which addresses the relationship between practice issues in service delivery and administrative policy issues which enable and constrain service delivery activities. The overarching concepts of child safety, family stability, permanency for the child, and well-being of the child as a long-term outcome will be used to examine the five focal service delivery areas in child welfare; family support, preservation and reunification, child protection, foster placement, residential care, and adoptive services. This is a dual level BSW/MSW course and is an elective within the program's curricular structure. The differentiating objectives and assignments for the MSW members of the class are noted in the appropriate areas of the syllabus.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 4480: Direct Practice with Older Adults

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 7480). This course provides foundational knowledge and skills in working with older adults and their families. Emphasis is placed on assessment strategies and intervention techniques with these populations. The interrelationship between the older adult, the family, organizations, and society is explored, as these factors affect all levels of practice. Students gain practical skill that can be applied to multidisciplinary practice settings, such as the health and social sciences.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Junior standing

SOC_WK 4710: Social Justice and Social Policy

Based on the concepts of human need and social justice, a historical and analytical approach to social welfare policies and programs. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: junior standing and departmental consent required

SOC_WK 4711: Social Justice and Social Policy II

Advanced course in the analysis of policies and programs relevant to social work and social welfare. Prepares students to understand and conduct policy analysis of public, voluntary, and proprietary human service organizations. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOC_WK 4710; Social Work Professional standing

SOC_WK 4720: Variations in Human Behavior

Basic concepts and principles regarding psychological/social dynamics of deviance; implications for social welfare policy and social interventions.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOC_WK 2220W or SOC_WK 2220; Restricted to Social Work students with junior standing and departmental consent required

SOC_WK 4730: Introduction to Social Work Practice

Introductory, generalist practice theory course promoting student's understanding of professional social work practice as holistic, identifiable, unique configuration of knowledge, values and skills. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Social Work Professional Standing and departmental consent required

SOC_WK 4740: Introduction to Community and Organizational Processes

Introduction to contextual framework of social work practice with particular emphasis on community and organization as social systems. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 4
Prerequisites: Social Work professional standing and departmental consent required

SOC_WK 4750: Interaction Skills Workshop

Generalist practice at individual, group and community levels. Group communication and social influence theories address generic and unique aspects of interaction across systems. Uses laboratory instruction. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Social Work Professional standing and departmental consent required

SOC_WK 4760: Theory and Practice of Social Group Work

Focuses on small group dynamics and models of group work practice suitable in all social work fields. Emphasizes practice theory and skills. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Social Work Professional standing

SOC_WK 4770: Strategies of Direct Practice

Examines social structures, processes, underlying assumptions/concepts of social change, client constellation, organizational arrangements, role relationships by which social workers define professional intervention.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOC_WK 4730 and SOC_WK 4750; third semester professional program standing; departmental consent required
Corequisites: SOC_WK 4971 and SOC_WK 4970

SOC_WK 4770W: Strategies of Direct Practice - Writing Intensive

SOC_WK 4903H: Advanced Study for Social Work Honors

Individual study and research or practicum leading to Honors in Social Work. Enrollment is limited to students accepted into the Professional BSW Program and for Social Work Honors. Enrollment is limited to students who are Honors eligible, have an Social Work Honors application, completed SOC_WK 2220 and completed or currently enrolled in SOC_WK 4730, SOC_WK 4740 and SOC_WK 4750.

Credit Hour: 3-6
Prerequisites: Instructor's consent

SOC_WK 4951: Research for Social Work Practice

This course introduces social work research and its relevance to practice, emphasizing the School of Social Work's social justice mission. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Social Work Professional standing or consent required

SOC_WK 4951W: Research for Social Work Practice - Writing Intensive

SOC_WK 4952: Research Methods for Social Work

Survey of research methods germane to the development of the knowledge base of social work practice. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOC_WK 4951; restricted to Social Work Professional standing or consent required

SOC_WK 4952W: Research Methods for Social Work - Writing Intensive

Survey of research methods germane to the development of the knowledge base of social work practice. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Social Work Professional standing or consent required

SOC_WK 4960: Special Readings in Social Work

Extensive readings in selected area or intensive reading in a special field.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 4970: Senior Professional Seminar

Integrative professional practice seminar for BSW students, focusing on the principles of generic social work and its application to direct practice in diverse fields, career planning and responsibilities. Enrollment is limited to students who have completed SOC_WK 2220, SOC_WK 4710, SOC_WK 4730, SOC_WK 4740, SOC_WK 4750, SOC_WK 4760, and SOC_WK 4720; and currently enrolled in SOC_WK 4770 and SOC_WK 4971.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 4970W: Senior Professional Seminar - Writing Intensive

SOC_WK 4971: Undergraduate Field Practicum

Supervised social work practice in a school-approved agency focusing on development of direct practice skills. Fall semester, three days per week. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hours: 6
Prerequisites: senior standing; SOC_WK 2220, SOC_WK 4710, SOC_WK 4730, SOC_WK 4740, SOC_WK 4750, SOC_WK 4760, and SOC_WK 4720; departmental consent required
Corequisites: SOC_WK 4770 and SOC_WK 4970

SOC_WK 7000: Professional Social Work Practice

This course introduces the social work profession within a historical and contemporary context, provides an overview of key concepts, standards and regulations, and assists students in examining personal and professional values and ethics related to practice. Graded on an A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 1
Prerequisites: restricted to graduate social work majors

SOC_WK 7001: Topics in Social Work

Special and emerging topics in social work and social welfare. Subject, content, and credit varies depending on available faculty and student interest.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 7085: Problems in Social Work

Intensive study of an area of social welfare related to special interest of student.

Credit Hour: 1-6
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 7220: Advanced Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare

The course will introduce students to the essential practice skills needed to effectively address the challenges of integrating services, care, and support for persons with health, mental health, and substance use problems. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7230: Integrative Behavioral Health Clinic

This is an elective course devoted to assessment, intervention and research with under-served individuals, couples, groups and families. This course is facilitated as a skills-training laboratory. Intervention methods will be applied to client's coping with major life stressors and relational problems. Students should leave this course with increased confidence in their ability to analyze patterns, assess, and intervene using diverse clinical methods. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 2-4
Prerequisites: Masters of Social Work students only

SOC_WK 7320: Rural Human Services

A study of the effect of rural and small community environments on the planning and delivery of social and health services. Emphasis on policy and program analyses relevant to rural issues and concerns.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7330: Addiction Treatment and Prevention

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 4330). Provides knowledge generic to social work and other disciplines involved in substance abuse treatment. Integrated approach to problems of substance abuse and development of self-awareness are emphasized. Didactic and experiential methods employed.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7335: Substance Use Disorders Assessment and Intervention

This course will provide social work students with the skills necessary to identify, assess, and intervene with clients and families who are struggling with substance use disorders (substance-related addictive disorders) in a variety of settings. The course will focus on strength-and evidence-based intervention strategies. There is emphasis on using best practices to implement integrated behavioral health approaches to effectively assess and treat those with substance use disorders (substance-related and addictive disorders). Case examples will be used to prepare students to work with individuals with co-occurring disorders, criminal justice involvement, diverse backgrounds, and trauma history. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7340: Military Culture

An introduction to the branches of the military and related cultural issues. Examines the historical and contemporary complexities of military service and personal and professional values and ethics related to practice with military personnel, families, and veterans. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7370: Delinquency, Corrections and Social Treatment

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 4370). Focuses on problems and causative factors in developing and maintaining delinquent and criminal behavior and attitudes: addressing critical and comparative understanding of social change strategies employed in this field.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7390: Helping Strategies With Children and Adolescents

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 4390). Theory and practice of work with children and adolescents. Focus on youth in transition, protective services and permanency planning, and special needs populations.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7395: Death, Grief and Loss

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 4395). This course is designed to provide an awareness of the impact of grief and loss whether as a result of a death or major life alteration. The perspective that grief exists in many contexts beyond death will be a focal point of the course. Theory associated with the process of dying, grief and grief resolution will be examined. Additionally, students will explore influencing factors such as life span development, religion, culture and personal responses to loss.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7400: Domestic Violence

(same as WGST 7400; cross-leveled with SOC_WK 4400, WGST 4400). Covers history of the domestic violence movement, intimate partner violence theories and data, legislative and organizational policy issues, and intervention models for practice with individuals who have experienced domestic violence including co-occurring issues such as trauma.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7410: Social Welfare and the Law

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 4410). This course explores the intersection of human services, law, and policy. It explores how law shapes services directed at children, families, women, and racial and sexual minorities. Students learn to work with legal professionals, prepare for proceedings, and avoid malpractice.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7450: Professional Perspectives on Child Welfare Services in the 21st Century

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 4450). This course examines the development and current state of child welfare services in America with an emphasis on the role of the public child welfare agency in delivery of those services. It is an overview course which addresses the relationship between practice issues in service delivery and administrative policy issues which enable and constrain service delivery activities. The overarching concepts of child safety, family stability, permanency for the child, and well-being of the child as a long term outcome will be used to examine the five focal service delivery areas in child welfare; family support, preservation and reunification, child protection, foster placement, residential care, and adoptive services. This is a dual level BSW/MSW course and is an elective within either program's curricular structure. The differentiating objectives and assignments for the MSW members of the class are noted in the appropriate areas of the syllabus.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7470: Organizational Issues in Social Work Practices in Child Welfare

Intensive seminar in meso-level practice in the field of child welfare. Examines communication theory, team building, and interorganizational dynamics as they affect professional practice in child welfare.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 7480: Direct Practice with Older Adults

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 4480). This course provides foundational knowledge and skills in working with older adults and their families. Emphasis is placed on assessment strategies and intervention techniques with these populations. The interrelationship between the older adult, the family, organizations, and society is explored, as these factors affect all levels of practice. Students gain practical skill that can be applied to multidisciplinary practice settings, such as the health and social sciences. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7485: Military Social Work

An overview of military culture, resilience, challenges, and behavioral health needs of military personnel and veterans. Content draws on theories and research relevant to this population. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7490: Family Treatment

Comparative study of theories and methods required for work with problems of family functioning. Both conjoint and subsystem approaches to family treatment are examined. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: graduate social work majors only

SOC_WK 7530: Contemporary Issues in Human Trafficking

(cross-leveled with SOC_WK 4530). This three hour course gives an overview of modern human trafficking typologies, issues, and responses. We will cover theories, policies, and intervention practices that drive our prevention and response for working with victims and survivors of this human rights abuse. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7710: Social Policy and Service Delivery in Social Work

Covers historic and contemporary issues in social welfare policy. Focuses on relationships among social problems, public policies, private actions, poverty, racism, sexism and social work practice/values. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: restricted to graduate Social Work majors

SOC_WK 7720: Foundations of Human Behavior

Substantive sources from behavioral sciences used in social work toward understanding the biosocial processes and constraints of human development. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: restricted to graduate Social Work majors

SOC_WK 7730: Social Work Skills

Introduces theory and application of strengths-based generalist practice. Develops knowledge, values, and techniques of professional social work practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels, emphasizing assessment and interaction skills. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: graduate standing in social work; Foundation level course

SOC_WK 7740: Large Group Theory

Examination of social environment in which social work is practiced with particular emphasis on development of analytic framework for understanding formal organizations and communities. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: graduate standing in Social Work

SOC_WK 7751: Psychosocial Function and Older Adults

(same as ARCHST 7650, F_C_MD 7751, H_D_FS 7751, NURSE 7751, P_HLTH 7751 and BBME 7751). This course takes an Interdisciplinary approach to understanding the psychosocial function of older adults and explores approaches to alleviate disabling conditions that interfere with psychosocial function and quality of life in old age. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 7760: Social Justice Seminar

Provides integrative learning experience in social work practice in foundation level social work practice focusing on social and economic justice experiences in field practicum. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 2
Prerequisites: restricted to graduate Social Work majors
Corequisites: SOC_WK 7971

SOC_WK 7770: Strategies of Clinical Social Work Intervention

Strategies of social treatment with individuals and small groups applicable to practice in public and private social agency settings. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: graduate standing in social work; departmental consent required. A grade of B or higher in SOC_WK 7730

SOC_WK 7780: Fundamentals of Social Work Administration

Basic managerial skills which social workers need for supervision, planning, staff development and administrative positions in social agencies; focus on individual management functions and skills associated with them. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: restricted to graduate Social Work majors. A grade of B or higher in SOC_WK 7740

SOC_WK 7820: DSM and Psychopathology: A Social Work Perspective

Examines psychopathology of human behavior within social work context, prevailing diagnostic models (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), and historically oppressive categorizations. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Social Work. A grade of B or higher in SOC_WK 7720

SOC_WK 7920: Advanced Foundations of Human Behavior for Administrators

Examination of relevant theoretical and behavioral foundations in order that students can acquire the knowledge to function as a social work administrator. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: graduate Social Work majors. A grade of B or higher in SOC_WK 7720

SOC_WK 7952: Research Methods in Social Work

Examines research methodology and design as applied to the study of social work techniques and problems. Emphasizes differential uses of scientific observation and techniques for developing knowledge and improving practice. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Graduate Social Work Majors

SOC_WK 7971: Graduate Field Practicum I

Supervised social work practice in a school-approved agency providing a full range of interventive experiences. Foundation level course. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 2-4
Prerequisites: admission to MSW program; SOC_WK 7000, SOC_WK 7710, SOC_WK 7720, SOC_WK 7730, SOC_WK 7740, SOC_WK 7952. Departmental Consent Required
Corequisites: SOC_WK 7760

SOC_WK 8010: Child Abuse and Neglect Assessment and Intervention

In-depth exploration of identification of and interventions with abused/neglected children and their families. Examines roles for social work with both victims and perpetrators. Examines how environmental factors affect successful intervention.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOC_WK 7770; instructor's consent for non MSW students

SOC_WK 8020: Social Work in Schools

The course focuses on the etiology and development of child and adolescent educational, social, emotional, and behavioral health disorders encountered, identified and treated in school settings. Educational disabilities and related polices and the interdisciplinary nature of school settings will be highlighted. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 8050: Resiliency and Solution-Focused Practice

Focuses on brief therapy approaches to dealing with clinical problems in a time-efficient, clinically effective method. Various approaches to solution-oriented work based in resiliency theory are presented. Stresses client empowerment across the lifespan.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOC_WK 7770; graduate level Social Work Majors only. Graded on A/F basis only

SOC_WK 8060: Trauma Informed Practice and Intervention

This clinical practice course focuses on evidence-based techniques for intervening with survivors of trauma. Content includes developmental theories on trauma and attachment, holistic and culturally aware assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder, the impact of trauma on the development of 'self', and evidence-based models for micro clinical practice. Resiliency, generational trauma, and trauma-informed agency are additional topics used to facilitate learning. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOC_WK 7770; graduate level Social Work majors only

SOC_WK 8070: Cognitive Behavioral Practice

Focuses on the theory, concepts, and techniques of cognitive behavioral therapies, with a particular emphasis on clinical intervention methods that may be used by the social worker to address specific client needs. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOC_WK 7770. Restricted to graduate Social Work majors

SOC_WK 8080: Introduction to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Practice

This course is an introduction to the theory, concepts and practice of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, an evidenced-based practice and form of cognitive-behavioral treatment. There will be an emphasis on application methods across settings that a social worker may use to work with clients with pervasive emotion dysregulation as well as other difficult to treat clients where other forms of treatment have not been effective. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Graduate level Social Work majors only

SOC_WK 8210: Disability Rights Advocacy

Highlights historical views of disabilities in relationship to contemporary policies, programs and services. This cross-disability focus examines the shift in focus from cure, care, and treatment to participation, capabilities, adapting environments, and building community. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 8220: Integrated Health Policy and Services

The course focuses on the role of social workers as social policy practitioners within an Integrated Behavioral Health environment. Strategies to influence policies and promote change in the interest of service consumer, agency, and society will be presented. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 8240: Policy and Advocacy for Empowered Aging

This course reframes aging to guide students in their understanding of policies that impact older adults in contemporary U.S. society. Students explore community resource delivery, the continuum of services, and planning for 21st century aging through a strengths-based lens. This course examines the role of advocacy in practice. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 8350: Management of a Social Agency

Basic resource management and control techniques common to social agencies with emphasis on personnel management, information and data management, and fiscal management. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: restricted to Graduate Social Work majors

SOC_WK 8952: Evaluative Research in Clinical Social Work Practice

Develop ability to systematically evaluate effectiveness of interventive strategies designed to produce positive change in clients' environment and/or cognitive, affective and behavioral functioning.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOC_WK 7952. Restricted to graduate Social Work majors

SOC_WK 8953: Evaluative Research in Social Work

Develop ability to design and implement appropriate evaluative research methods and strategies employed in social and human service delivery. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOC_WK 7952. Restricted to graduate Social Work majors

SOC_WK 8955: Independent Study in Social Work

Intensive investigation of phenomena germane to area of concentration carried out with guidance of faculty. May include data collection; leads to a written report in publishable format.

Credit Hour: 1-6
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 8970: Professional Practice Seminar I

Provides integrative learning experience in social work practice in an area of beginning specialization in autonomous social work practice. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: restricted to graduate Social Work majors
Corequisites: SOC_WK 8971

SOC_WK 8971: Graduate Field Practicum II

Field instruction tailored to concentration interests, developing depth in clinical skills in direct service or in planning and administration. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-13
Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate Social Work majors. Completion of all required graduate coursework except SOC_WK 8970
Corequisites: SOC_WK 8970

SOC_WK 9001: Topics in Social Work

Special and emerging topics in social work and social welfare. Subject, content, and credit varies depending on available faculty and student interest. May be repeated for credit.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 9090: Teaching Practicum in Social Work

This course is an experiential extension of the SOC_WK 9650 - Pedagogical Methods in Social Work and Applied Professional Programs. This course offers PhD students a supervised opportunity to co-teach a 3 credit bachelors or MSW level course and receive feedback from an experienced instructor. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-3

SOC_WK 9100: Knowledge Building I

Advanced systemic review of theories requisite for study and implementation of practice and policy centered research in social welfare and development; emphasis placed on critical analysis of theories needed for research and study of integrated social development.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 9150: Statistical Concepts in the Social and Behavioral Sciences

This course is designed to import knowledge in the basic principles of statistics and data analysis for the social and behavioral sciences. Skills in data input, management, and analysis will be covered, including the construction of analytical tables, graphical analysis of data, use and interpretation of statistical tests, application of univariate and bivariate statistics, and ANOVA models to social work data as well as the use of software to analyze those data. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: Basic college level math

SOC_WK 9300: Research Methodology and Design Seminar

Review of historical development of social welfare and social work research with emphasis on critical analysis of seminal studies; examination of "state-of-the-art" social welfare and development initiatives, designs and methodology.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 9350: Advanced Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in Social Research

The course provides an in-depth understanding of the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods. The curriculum emphasizes an integration of quantitative and qualitative approaches, methods, and data analysis. Computer application sessions are included. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: SOC_WK 9300 or permission of instructor

SOC_WK 9360: Introduction to Mixed Methods Research I

This course is designed to introduce students to mixed methods research in the social sciences. Mixed methods integrate quantitative and qualitative methods from research question through dissemination. This enables researchers to gain unique insight by capturing a greater breadth and depth of their phenomena under study. This course will introduce students to the four core mixed methods designs: convergent parallel, explanatory sequential, and exploratory sequential.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 9400: Macro Social Theory

(Same as NURSE 9400). Building on the foundation laid in SOC_WK 9100, in depth examination of human development and social environment theories appropriate to scientific examination of social welfare practice with formal organizations, interorganizational combinations, communities and larger political entities.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 9450: Qualitative Research for Social Sciences

This course is designed to help prepare doctoral students to do qualitative research. The course focuses on five approaches to qualitative inquiry including research design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation of findings, academic writing, and data visualization. Students will learn how to systematically advance the social work knowledge base using rigorous qualitative methods. Course topics include the theory and practice of qualitative inquiry, how to formulate appropriate research questions for qualitative inquiry, designing qualitative research projects, collecting data used in qualitative inquiry, sampling strategies, approaches to qualitative analysis and when to use them, interpreting and presenting qualitative findings, and how to formulate research and practice implications from qualitative findings. We will also discuss the challenges and benefits of qualitative inquiry in real world settings, options to address challenges, and ways of determining the best approaches given various research projects. Students will have the opportunity to analyze their own data or data provided by the instructor during the analysis portion of the course. This course combines lecture, discussion, in-class activities, and between class professional writing assignments to further student knowledge. Students will have the opportunity each class period to discuss their own qualitative research interests and the class will be customized depending on the needs of the group. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Doctoral-level standing
Recommended: Doctoral-level Research Methods

SOC_WK 9500: Pro Seminar I

Joint student-faculty exercise in intellectual discovery focusing on current and emerging issues in the field of social work and social development; emphasis on integration of multi-disciplinary perspectives. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 9550: Application of Measurement and Scale Development for the Social Sciences

This course will provide students with an introduction to the measurement development process. The course will explore concepts such as defining constructs, identifying facets of a construct, seeking guidance from experts, collecting pilot data, conducting exploratory factor analyses, and refining the initial measure. The course will consist of lecture, outside reading and work, small group workshops, and instructor consultation. At the end of the course, students will have a basic understanding of the measurement development process and how to obtain data for abstract concepts. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

SOC_WK 9600: Professional Seminar II

This second seminar focuses on topics related to long term professional success for doctoral students. The seminar covers topics on conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, external funding, and academic job search process. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1

SOC_WK 9650: Pedagogical Methods in Social Work and Applied Professional Programs

An in depth examination of the pedagogical issues, policies, and principles associated with teaching social work in higher education. Topics include the history and philosophy of social work education, instructional models and methods, assessing educational outcomes, and instructional improvement methods. Issues specific to social work include the need to differentiate teaching methods relative to direct practice, human services administration, community organization, policy practice, and program evaluation. Particular focus will be directed toward online education and its role in the 21st century. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1

SOC_WK 9800: Research Application I

Individualized seminar with the purpose of orienting a second year school of social work doctoral student towards the completion of the second element of the qualifying exam process. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 9850: Research Application II

Research Practicum. In most cases it will be a second research practicum but may also be a continuation of the research conducted in SOC_WK 9800. Prerequisites: departmental consent required

Credit Hour: 1-3

SOC_WK 9890: Dissertation Seminar

This course will assist doctoral students in planning and writing the dissertation.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

SOC_WK 9900: Doctoral Dissertation Research in Social Work

Independently conducted research that includes concept development, data collection, statistical analysis and social policy implications prepared in a format suitable for publication. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-99
Prerequisites: departmental consent required

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University of Missouri

2024-25 Catalogs

Social Work (SOC_WK)

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